By Chris Teale

John Brooks, who told the champions' players to show their appreciation to their fans who paid €75 each to see them beat Arsenal, has been stood down from his next game

The assistant referee who told Manchester City’s players to thank their fans for paying €75 each to watch their team win at Arsenal has been stood down for his next game this evening.

John Brooks was heard telling Joe Hart and Joleon Lescott to applaud their supporters, and would appear to have been punished for his actions by being removed for tonight’s FA Cup third-round replay between West Brom and QPR.

The Citizens had sent back almost 1,000 unsold tickets for Sunday’s game, which they won 2-0, with some supporters holding up banners of protest during the match at the Emirates.